In-home euthanasia - Calgary Family Veterinarian

Euthanasia at Home

We are here for you and your pet during this difficult moment.

Many of us hope our pets will pass away peacefully on their own, but this is generally not how it happens. At Calgary Family Vet, we understand the emotional toll this decision can take on a family. Our in-home euthanasia service aims to provide a calm and gentle passing, ensuring your pet is where they feel most comfortable when that time comes – home.

How do I know it’s time?

Quality of life assessment

This is the most common question we receive and also the most difficult to answer, as many factors influence this decision. We may never find the “right” time to let our pets go, but we can consider when the “best” time would be.

Our quality of life assessment aims to evaluate various factors, including pain, mobility, appetite, and overall well-being, helping you make an informed decision prioritizing your pet’s comfort and dignity.

Simply put, when your pet is suffering or struggling, euthanasia is a gift. Please contact us to book your pet’s quality-of-life assessment appointment to help determine whether euthanasia is the right decision for your pet.

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Why Opt for In Home Euthanasia?

Allow your pet to spend their final moments in the comfort of their home with their family.

Familiar Surroundings

Your pet can relax amidst their favourite blankets, toys, and familiar scents.
Final moments can be experienced in your arms, their bed, or a cherished spot, whether indoors or outdoors.

Enhanced Comfort for Pets

Pets feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. Staying at home helps minimize stress and anxiety for both the pet and the owner, creating a calm environment where both can relax and feel at ease.

Owner Comfort

This option removes the stress of traveling to the vet and the distractions of a busy clinic. It offers privacy and comfort, helping your pet relax. This approach allows as many family members and other pets as desired.

Personalized Atmosphere

At home, there are no confined spaces, no huddling around in a small room at the vet’s office.
You are able to curate a personal atmosphere at home with candles, pictures, music, poem readings, etc.

FAQ

How will I know it's time to euthanize my pet?

This is the most common question we receive and also the most difficult to answer, as many factors influence this decision.

Simply put, when your pet is suffering or struggling, euthanasia is a gift.

We may never find the “right” time to let our pets go, but we can consider when the “best” time would be.

Please contact us to book your pet’s quality-of-life assessment appointment to help determine whether euthanasia is the right decision for your pet.

What should I expect with in-home euthanasia?

As this is already a difficult time for you and your family, knowing what to expect when we visit your home can help ease the stress and anxiety.

Your pet will first receive an injection by a veterinarian in the muscle or under the skin which will offer pain control and heavy sedation – this will take around 10–15 minutes before your pet is sedated.
Once you and your pet are ready, the veterinarian will administer the euthanasia medication, which is an overdose of an anesthetic that will slow then stop the heart.
Depending on your pet’s size and condition, this medication will be delivered either by a vein in the leg or by a vein in the abdomen.
Your pet will pass away peacefully within minutes and the veterinarian will confirm that the heart has stopped.
The veterinarian will gently prepare your pet’s body for transport (assistance will be required to move any pets over 30lbs).
Special arrangements can be made for large or giant breed dogs if assistance is unavailable.

How long will the appointment last?

The entire appointment can last anywhere from 30 – 45 minutes.

Should other pets be there?

Pets grieve, too, in their own way. In-home euthanasia allows as many other pets and housemates to be a part of this process. They will “know” their friend has passed on, and this is a time for them to say goodbye as well.

Should my children be there?

This is best decided as a family.

Children express grief differently than adults, and their response to grief can vary based on their age and level of understanding of death and loss.

Be open and honest with your children about your pet’s illness and death and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.

If children do not wish to be present for euthanasia, perhaps they could read a poem or share pictures or stories of their pet beforehand.

They may wish to view the pet’s body afterward for closure and a final goodbye.

Involve your children in memorializing your pet – this can include anything from making a shadow box to holding a celebration of life service.

Private vs General Cremation?

A private cremation means you are requesting to have your pet’s ashes back. You will have memorial options available between a bag (which is typically selected when wanting to scatter your pet’s ashes) and a wooden box or urn to house your pet’s remains.

General cremation means you do not want your pet’s ashes back.

A peaceful farewell in the comfort of home

Contact us for compassionate, in-home services that provide your pet with a calm and dignified farewell, surrounded by familiar comforts and loved ones. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way.